Environmental efforts backed in face of crunch

PEOPLE around the world want governments to take decisive action on climate change — despite the economic downturn, according to new research.

More than four out of 10, 43%, of consumers questioned in countries ranging from Britain to China and Mexico put climate change ahead of the global financial turmoil when asked about their present concerns.

And worldwide almost half, 48%, felt governments should be playing a leading role in tackling climate change, and three quarters, 77%, thought their country should do its “fair share” to cut emissions and allow developing countries to grow.